Pain Medications

Non-prescriptive educational information about medications used in pain management.

For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
neuropathic

Neuropathic Pain Modulators

These agents work through multiple mechanisms: calcium channel alpha-2-delta subunit binding (gabapentin, pregabalin), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (duloxetine, amitriptyline), and sodium channel blockade (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine). Together they reduce ectopic nerve firing and central sensitization.

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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. This decreases inflammation, pain sensitization, and fever. COX-2 selective inhibitors were developed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with COX-1 inhibition.

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Muscle Relaxants

Centrally acting muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine, tizanidine, baclofen, methocarbamol) work in the central nervous system to reduce muscle tone and spasm. They may act on GABA receptors, alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, or inhibit multi-synaptic reflex arcs.

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Topical Analgesics

Topical agents work locally through multiple mechanisms: lidocaine blocks sodium channels in peripheral nociceptors; capsaicin depletes substance P from nerve endings and desensitizes TRPV1 receptors; topical NSAIDs provide localized COX inhibition; menthol activates TRPM8 receptors creating a cooling sensation.

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